World Happiness Report for Ethiopia 2024
- Overall Happiness Rank Ethiopia: 130
- Happiness Score Ethiopia:3.861
Happiness is a subjective concept that has long been debated by philosophers, psychologists, and economists alike. However, in recent years, there has been a growing interest in quantifying happiness and using it as a measure of a nation’s overall well-being. This is where the concept of the Happiness Index comes into play.
What is the Happiness Index?
The Happiness Index is a measure that attempts to quantify the overall happiness and life satisfaction of a country’s population. It is based on the idea that traditional economic indicators, such as Gross Domestic Product (GDP), do not fully capture the overall well-being of a society. The Happiness Index takes into account various factors that contribute to an individual’s sense of happiness and life satisfaction, including social support, freedom to make life choices, healthy life expectancy, and perceptions of corruption.
How is the Happiness Index Calculated?
The Happiness Index is calculated through a combination of subjective and objective data. The primary source of data is the Gallup World Poll, which is a survey conducted in over 160 countries. The survey asks respondents to rate their overall life satisfaction on a scale of 0 to 10, with 0 being the worst possible life and 10 being the best possible life.
In addition to the life satisfaction score, the Happiness Index also takes into account the following factors:
- GDP per capita: This is a measure of a country’s economic output and standard of living.
- Social support: This factor measures the extent to which individuals have supportive relationships and love in their lives.
- Healthy life expectancy: This is a measure of the number of years an individual is expected to live in good health.
- Freedom to make life choices: This factor measures the extent to which individuals are able to make decisions about their lives without external constraints.
- Generosity: This factor measures the extent to which individuals engage in charitable activities and donate to others.
- Perceptions of corruption: This factor measures the extent to which individuals perceive their society to be free from corruption.
These factors are weighted and combined to produce an overall Happiness Index score for each country.
What Does the Happiness Index Affect?
The Happiness Index has significant implications for policymaking and societal well-being. Countries with higher Happiness Index scores are generally considered to have better overall quality of life and well-being for their citizens. This can have positive impacts on various aspects of society, including:
- Economic productivity: Happier individuals tend to be more productive and engaged in their work, which can contribute to a country’s economic growth.
- Public health: Higher levels of happiness and life satisfaction are associated with better physical and mental health outcomes, which can reduce healthcare costs and improve overall well-being.
- Social cohesion: Societies with higher levels of happiness tend to have stronger social bonds and lower levels of conflict and crime.
- Environmental sustainability: Happier individuals may be more likely to engage in environmentally-friendly behaviors and support policies that promote sustainability.
By focusing on the factors that contribute to happiness and well-being, policymakers can develop strategies to improve the overall quality of life for their citizens. The Happiness Index provides a valuable tool for measuring progress and identifying areas where improvements can be made.
Short information
- Abbreviation of Ethiopia. ET.
Ethiopia is a country located in the Horn of Africa and is known for its unique cultural heritage, including its ancient and distinct traditions. The country has a federal parliamentary republic political structure and is home to a diverse range of ethnic groups and languages. Ethiopia has a rapidly growing economy, with agriculture being a significant contributor to its GDP.
- Ethiopia is the only African country with its own alphabet and numeric system.
- The Great Rift Valley, a significant geographical feature, runs through Ethiopia, making it a site of important paleontological discoveries.
- Ethiopia is the origin of coffee and exports some of the highest quality coffee beans in the world.
A Comprehensive Overview of Ethiopia
Early History: The territory of present-day Ethiopia has a rich ancient history, with the earliest known human ancestor, Australopithecus afarensis, discovered in the Afar region. The Kingdom of Aksum, one of the earliest Christian civilizations, emerged in the 1st century AD and ruled for over 800 years, establishing international trade routes and a unique architectural style.
Kingdoms and Empires: The Zagwe dynasty ruled from the late 12th to the late 13th century, leaving behind impressive rock-hewn churches in Lalibela. The Solomonic dynasty, claiming descent from the lineage of King Solomon and the Queen of Sheba, ruled from the 13th to the late 18th century, including the powerful Emperor Tewodros II.
Colonial Period: Ethiopia was one of the few African nations to resist European colonization, defeating the Italians in the Battle of Adwa in 1896. However, it was briefly occupied by Italian forces from 1936 to 1941 during the Second Italo-Ethiopian War.
Independence and Modern Era: After regaining independence in 1941, Ethiopia underwent a series of political changes, including the overthrow of Emperor Haile Selassie in 1974 and the establishment of a socialist military government known as the Derg. A prolonged civil war ensued, culminating in the overthrow of the Derg in 1991 and the transition to a federal democratic republic.
Current Political Situation: Ethiopia is a federal parliamentary republic, with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed leading the government since 2018. Recent elections in 2021 saw the Prosperity Party, led by Abiy Ahmed, win a majority. However, the country faces challenges, including ongoing conflicts in certain regions.
International Relations: Ethiopia is a member of the African Union and has close ties with neighboring countries. It has also been involved in regional peacekeeping efforts and has a long-standing partnership with the United States and other Western nations.
Human Development and Economy: Ethiopia’s economy is primarily based on agriculture, but sectors like manufacturing and services are growing. The country has made significant progress in reducing poverty and improving access to education and healthcare, but challenges remain in areas like gender equality and sustainable development.
Cultural Highlights: Ethiopia has a rich cultural heritage, with diverse ethnic groups, ancient religious traditions (including Orthodox Christianity and Islam), and a thriving coffee culture. The country is also known for its unique cuisine, traditional dress, and vibrant artistic expressions like music and dance.
Ethiopia faces challenges related to political stability, economic development, and environmental sustainability, but also has opportunities to leverage its cultural richness, strategic location, and human potential for continued progress.
Travel Tips for Ethiopia
– Best times to visit: The dry season from October to May offers the most favorable weather for travel.
– Cultural etiquette: Dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Remove shoes before entering churches and homes. Use your right hand for greetings and eating.
– Safety precautions: Check travel advisories for any potential security concerns, especially in border regions. Avoid travel during political unrest or protests.
– Must-see landmarks: Explore the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, the medieval castles of Gondar, and the natural beauty of the Simien Mountains.
– Culinary experiences: Try traditional Ethiopian cuisine like injera (sourdough flatbread) with spicy stews, and sample the country’s world-renowned coffee.
Living in Ethiopia
– Cost of living: Living costs are relatively low, especially outside major cities like Addis Ababa.
– Housing: Apartments and houses are available for rent or purchase, with expat communities in certain areas.
– Healthcare: Public healthcare facilities are limited, so most expats opt for private clinics or travel abroad for major medical treatments.
Main facts
1. Location
Ethiopia is a landlocked country located in the Horn of Africa region of East Africa. It is situated in the northeastern part of the African continent, bounded by Eritrea to the north, Djibouti and Somalia to the east, Kenya to the south, and South Sudan and Sudan to the west. Ethiopia covers the major portion of the Horn of Africa, a strategic region with proximity to the Indian Ocean and the Middle East.
2. Map References
Ethiopia is located in the East Africa region.
3. Area – Comparative
With an area of 1,104,300 sq km, Ethiopia is roughly twice the size of the U.S. state of Texas.
4. Land Boundaries and Border Countries
Ethiopia has a total land boundary length of 5,925 km, bordering the following countries:
Djibouti – 349 km
Eritrea – 1,033 km
Kenya – 867 km
Somalia – 1,640 km
South Sudan – 1,299 km
Sudan – 737 km
5. Coastline (if applicable)
Ethiopia is a landlocked country with no coastline.
6. Maritime Claims
As a landlocked country, Ethiopia has no maritime claims.
7. Climate
Ethiopia has a diverse climate due to its varied topography, ranging from tropical in the lowlands to temperate on the highlands. The country has two main seasons: the dry season, which lasts from October to May, and the wet season, which runs from June to September. Temperature variations are largely determined by elevation, with the highlands experiencing cooler temperatures year-round.
8. Terrain
Ethiopia’s terrain is predominantly a high plateau with a central mountain range divided by the Great Rift Valley. The country features diverse landscapes, including rugged mountains, deep gorges, and semi-arid deserts. The Great Rift Valley, which cuts through the country from northeast to southwest, is a prominent feature of the landscape.
9. Elevation Extremes
The highest point in Ethiopia is Ras Dejen, a mountain peak in the Semien Mountains, with an elevation of 4,533 meters (14,872 feet). The lowest point is the Danaakil Depression, a desert region located in the Afar Depression, with an elevation of 116 meters (380 feet) below sea level.
10. Natural Resources
Ethiopia’s major natural resources include small reserves of gold, platinum, copper, potash, natural gas, and hydropower.
11. Major Bodies of Water
The major bodies of water in Ethiopia include:
– Lake Tana (shared with Sudan) – the source of the Blue Nile River
– Awash River – an important river in eastern Ethiopia
– Omo River – a major river in southwestern Ethiopia
– Shebelle River – a river shared with Somalia
– Abay (Blue Nile) River – the primary tributary of the Nile River, originating from Lake Tana
12. Natural Hazards
The main natural hazards affecting Ethiopia include:
– Droughts – recurring and severe in some parts of the country
– Floods – often associated with seasonal rains and inadequate infrastructure
– Earthquakes – Ethiopia is situated along the East African Rift Valley, which makes it prone to seismic activity
– Volcanic activity – the country has several volcanic ranges, including the Danaakil Depression, a region of active volcanoes
13. Geography – Notes
Ethiopia is known for its unique geological features, including the Danaakil Depression, one of the hottest and most inhospitable places on Earth. The country is also home to several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, such as the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela and the Simien Mountains National Park, known for its unique flora and fauna. Ethiopia’s diverse landscapes, rich history, and cultural heritage make it a fascinating destination for travelers and researchers alike.
- Forest Area (% of land area): 12.50%. This is the percentage of a country’s total land area that is covered by natural or planted forests.
- Co2 Emissions: 14,87. CO2 emissions refer to the release of carbon dioxide gas into the atmosphere, primarily from the burning of fossil fuels (coal, oil, and natural gas) for energy production, transportation, and industrial processes.
- Agricultural Land( %). 36.30%. Agricultural land refers to the share of land area that is arable and used for cultivating crops or raising livestock.
- Geographic Coordinates: 9.14540.489673.
- Capital: The capital of Ethiopia is Addis Ababa
- Major Cities:
- Addis Ababa – Population: 3,384,569
- Desse – Population: 209,919
- Gondar – Population: 338,646
- Mek’ele – Population: 340,858
- Hawassa – Population: 335,760
- Bahir Dar – Population: 348,429
- Jimma – Population: 159,009
- Population: 112,078,730
- Area(Km2): 1104300
- Population Density( P/Km²):115. This is the number of people living per square kilometer of land area in a given region or country.
- Calling Code:251
- Official Language(s):Ethiopia is Amharic (29.3%), Oromo (33.8%), Tigrinya (6.2%).
- Currency: ETB
Main Economic Indicators
Ethiopia has a rapidly growing economy driven primarily by the services and industrial sectors. With a population of over 110 million, it is the second-most populous nation in Africa and has one of the continent’s largest economies. Key economic challenges include high inflation, foreign exchange shortages, and a large trade deficit. Notable economic policies center around promoting industrialization, expanding the services sector, and attracting foreign investment.
Inflation Rate (Consumer Prices)
2021: 26.8% (Source: National Bank of Ethiopia)
2020: 19.7% (Source: National Bank of Ethiopia)
Credit Ratings
Fitch: B (Stable Outlook, as of October 2022)
Moody’s: B1 (Negative Outlook, as of October 2022)
Standard & Poor’s: B- (Stable Outlook, as of December 2021)
GDP – Composition by Sector of Origin
Agriculture: 31.5%
Industry: 23.7%
Services: 44.8%
(Data from the National Bank of Ethiopia, 2021 estimates)
Key Agricultural and Industrial Products
Agricultural Products: Coffee, wheat, teff, maize, sorghum, livestock, oilseeds
Industrial Products: Textiles, leather, cement, metals, chemicals, food processing
Labor Force
Total Labor Force: 55.6 million (2021 estimate)
Comparative Ranking: 2nd largest labor force in Africa (after Nigeria)
Current Account Balance
2021: -$3.8 billion (2.9% of GDP)
2020: -$3.3 billion (2.9% of GDP)
Comparative Ranking: 155th in the world (2021, CIA World Factbook)
Exports and Imports
Exports (2021): $4.2 billion
Key Export Partners: China, Saudi Arabia, United States, Netherlands
Main Exports: Coffee, oilseeds, gold, live animals, textiles
Imports (2021): $14.9 billion
Key Import Partners: China, India, United Arab Emirates, Turkey
Main Imports: Machinery, vehicles, aircraft, metal products, food
Reserves of Foreign Exchange and Gold
Foreign Exchange Reserves (December 2022): $3.1 billion
Gold Reserves (December 2022): 8.6 tonnes
- GDP (Current US$):$96,107,662,398. It represents a country’s gross domestic product measured in current US dollars. Higher values indicate a larger economy and economic output.
- Tax Revenue (% of GDP): 7.50%. It refers to the amount of tax revenue collected by the government, expressed as a percentage of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP). Higher values indicate a higher tax burden relative to the size of the economy.
- Total Tax Rate (% of commercial profits): 37.70%. This is the sum of all taxes payable by businesses, expressed as a percentage of their commercial profits. Higher values indicate a higher tax burden on businesses.
- Gasoline Price. $0.75. It refers to the cost of one liter or gallon of gasoline/petrol. Higher values indicate more expensive gasoline prices for consumers and businesses.
- Minimum wage. . It refers to the lowest legally mandated hourly wage that employers must pay their workers. Higher values indicate a higher minimum level of pay for low-wage workers.
- Unemployment Rate (%): 2.08%. It represents the percentage of the labor force that is unemployed and actively seeking employment. Higher values indicate more joblessness in the economy.
Social Indicators
1. National Identity
Noun: Ethiopians
Adjective: Ethiopian
2. Ethnic Groups
Major ethnic groups:
- Oromo: 34.4%
- Amhara: 27%
- Somali: 6.2%
- Tigray: 6.1%
- Sidama: 4%
- Gurage: 2.5%
- Welayta: 2.3%
- Other: 17.5%
3. Religions
Main religious affiliations:
- Ethiopian Orthodox: 43.5%
- Muslim: 33.9%
- Protestant: 18.6%
- Traditional: 2.6%
- Catholic: 0.7%
- Other: 0.7%
4. Age Structure
Population distribution across age groups:
- 0-14 years: 35.9%
- 15-64 years: 60.2%
- 65 years and over: 3.9%
5. Dependency Ratios
Total dependency ratio: 66.5%
Youth dependency ratio: 59.6%
Elderly dependency ratio: 6.9%
6. Median Age
Median age of the population: 20.7 years
Median age for males: 20.4 years
Median age for females: 21 years
7. Lifestyle Indicators
Obesity rate: 5.2%
Alcohol consumption: 5.7 liters per capita per year
Tobacco use: 4.4% of adults
- Life Expectancy at Birth: 66.2. Life Expectancy at Birth refers to the estimated average number of years a newborn is expected to live based on current mortality rates. Higher values indicate better health outcomes and living conditions in a country or region.
- Literacy Rate (% of adults): 41.21%. It refers to the percentage of the population aged 15 and above who can read and write with understanding of a short simple statement about their everyday life. Higher literacy rates indicate better educational attainment within a population.
- Birth Rate:32.34. Birth Rate is the total number of live births per 1,000 population in a given year. Higher birth rates indicate a larger share of the population being born each year.
- Death Rate:7. Death Rate is the number of deaths per 1,000 population in a given year. Higher death rates indicate more people dying annually within a population.
- Fertility Rate: 4.25. Fertility Rate is the average number of children a woman would have over her reproductive years based on current birth rates. Higher fertility rates indicate larger family sizes and population growth.
- Internet Users (% of population): 30.3%. Internet Users (% of population) refers to the percentage of the total population in a country or region that has access to and uses the internet. Higher values indicate greater internet penetration and connectivity among the population.
- Urban Population: 23,788,710. Urban Population refers to the percentage or number of people living in urban areas or cities within a country or region. Higher urban population values indicate greater urbanization and concentration of people in cities compared to rural areas.
- Out of Pocket Health Expenditure (% of total health expenditure):37.80%. Out of Pocket Health Expenditure (% of total health expenditure) represents the portion of total health care costs that individuals pay directly out of their own pockets, rather than being covered by insurance or government programs. Higher values indicate greater personal financial burden for health care expenses.
Infrastructure and Services
Military and Security Forces
The Ethiopian National Defense Force (ENDF) is composed of four main branches: Ground Forces, Air Force, Navy (concentrated in the Red Sea area), and Ethiopian National Defense Revolutionary Force (En-Def-Rev-F), a paramilitary force. Key units include the Republican Guard elite infantry and Agazi Commandos.
The Federal Police maintains internal security and works alongside regional paramilitary forces like the Liyu Police in the Somali region.
Military Expenditures
Ethiopia’s military expenditure as a percentage of GDP for the last five years:
- 2022: 0.8%
- 2021: 0.7%
- 2020: 0.7%
- 2019: 0.7%
- 2018: 0.6%
Ethiopia ranks 79th globally in terms of military spending.
Personnel Strengths
The total active-duty military personnel is approximately 162,000, with the following breakdown:
- Ground Forces: 135,000
- Air Force: 5,000
- Navy: 2,000
- En-Def-Rev-F: 20,000
Other security services include the Federal Police with around 50,000 personnel and various regional paramilitary forces.
Military Equipment Inventories and Acquisitions
Ethiopia’s military hardware includes tanks, armored vehicles, artillery, and air defense systems, primarily of Soviet/Russian origin. The Air Force operates fighter aircraft, attack helicopters, and transport aircraft from various sources.
Recent acquisitions include Turkish drones and Chinese surface-to-air missile systems. Ethiopia is also working on domestic military development programs.
Military Service Age and Obligation
The legal age range for voluntary military service is 18-24 years. There is no mandatory military service currently, but the government has the authority to reinstate conscription if needed.
Military Deployments
Ethiopia has deployed troops as part of the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) in the disputed Abyei region between Sudan and South Sudan.
Domestically, the military is heavily involved in ongoing conflicts, such as the Tigray War against the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF).
Strategic Military Notes
Ethiopia’s defense strategy focuses on territorial integrity, border security, and countering internal insurgencies. The military plays a significant role in regional security initiatives like the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM).
Ethiopia maintains military cooperation with partners like the United States, Israel, and Gulf states, while also engaging with emerging partners like Turkey and China for military acquisitions and training.
- Armed Forces Size: 138000. Armed Forces Size refers to the total number of active personnel serving in a country’s military forces, including the army, navy, air force, and other branches. Higher values indicate a larger military presence and personnel.
- Physicians per Thousand: Number of doctors per 1,000 people is 0.08
- Population: Labor Force Participation (%): 79.60%. This is the percentage of the total population aged 15 and older that is economically active, meaning they are either employed or actively seeking employment. Higher values indicate a greater proportion of the working-age population engaged in the labor force.